I need some ideas for outdoor places to take family pictures in the wintertime. Unfortunately there isn't much snow where I live right now, or that would be a fun option. Everything around is just kind of yellow/brownish and draby looking. If anyone in Utah knows any specific areas or places near Lehi, that would be super helpful. I've thought I could just go drive around and look for some cool looking buildings or something. But other than that I'm just not having much luck with ideas. But if anyone not in this area has any ideas or experience with things you've done for wintertime photos I would really appreciate the help. Thanks!
Wheeler Farm in Murray is a great location for pictures. I had my engagement pictures taken there.
Works anywhere:
Line your kids up laying down on the FLOOR (wood is best)
Plug some xmas lights in and arrange them above their heads.
Snap.
Let them goof a little
Snap.
The effect is similar to "laying under the xmas tree to look the the lights" for people looking at the photo. It brings up a LOT of memories for a lot of people. It's this really cool 'bringing the viewer into the shot' thing that happens. It's weird, but fun.
You get really cool contrast, and the slight change in gravity really alters faces in the subtle way that most people's brains don't quite log, and silly look the kids get is PRICELESS.
ALTERNATELY:
Head to a river or stream. Water color changes with the light change that happens in winter... so it's one of those instant "things" people notice but don't notice. As in, it just LOOKS like wintertime, even if it's just a picture of the water, and no people in winter clothes. Plus... water makes a really soothing background to highlight your portrait.
Anyhow... I've only driven through UT, so I don't know anywhere local. Just some thoughts.
Barn board background or stacked fieldstone are always nice.
Okay, I'm not super close to where you are, but if you're willing to drive up to SLC, there are some interesting places you could try. Are interior spaces an option you'd consider? The new Utah Museum of Natural History is awesome, as is the Salt Lake City Main Library. You'd probably need to ask ahead if you could do a photo shoot in those places. For outdoor spots, I'm not sure what there is down by you, but Red Butte Garden up here is gorgeous even in winter, because it is designed to be an interesting garden year round. An interesting outdoor urban space would be a modern art installation right next to the Capitol Theatre - there's a lot filled with tall flexible rods that looks like a metal tall grass prairie - sounds weird, looks pretty cool, and you can go in among the rods and play. It's a spot a little sheltered from the wind that gets good sun. Gravel floor, red brick in the background.
If you're willing to take a longer road trip, Black Rock Beach by the Great Salt Lake is stark but drop-dead gorgeous for photography. An artist friend of mine shot pictures of her boys out there last month, and they're stunning.
Yeah...if you want snow you have to head pretty high up into the canyons! Though if you're willing to make the drive things look pretty good up Big Cottonwood and up in Park City.
Not sure if you're looking for exterior of buildings or if you wanted to move it inside, but if you are looking to stay outside the backside of a handful of the buildings on State St in Lehi are awesome. Right by where Osmond Designs is. You get a variety of stone, brick, wood and even metal all within about 200ft-there is some great texture and color throughout there. And the big railroad building that kind of has a barn look to it is right there as well, so you have the tracks there too if you want to go that route. The front of the buildings look a little dumpy (with the exception of Osmond), but the backs are great!
